What to Bring

Documents

Current Passport, Birth Certificate and Travelers Insurance(*You can purchase travelers insurance for one or two months. After that time you can decide whether you should continue it or whether your employer will provide it for you).

Keep a medical emergency card with you listing any special conditions, allergies, or prescriptions.

A US contact should also be listed with all their contact information in case of an emergency.

If you plan to work in the Czech Republic immediately following you will need to bring a diploma from the highest level of education which you have completed. This is needed to start the visa process.

Finances

You will need approximately $1000 (not including accommodation) for a month or two. (The money necessary to start a life in the Czech Republic greatly depends on your spending habits).

Do not bring this amount of money in hard currency, instead use ATM’s in the city or exchange offices.

Contact your bank and credit card companies to make sure they are aware of the places you’ll be using your card.

Make copies of all of your documents and leave one copy of each with someone in the US.

Clothing and Personal Supplies

Bring clothes for multiple seasons. Temperatures can change quite quickly so you should be prepared for all four seasons.

Bring business casual clothes for teaching and interviews.

Brno streets are made of uneven conrete slabs and cobblestones and women’s high heels easily break—bring shoes and boots for walking.

Extra Items

A voltage converter or an adaptor if you plan on using your computer or other appliances.

A battery powered alarm clock.

Certain toiletries are more expensive in the Czech Republic so it’s a good idea to bring things such as deodorant, razors, makeup, feminine hygiene products, stain removers, etc.

Medicine- prescribed and over-the-counter such as Tylenol, Sudafed, Neosporin. All medications should be kept in their original containers with the prescription order on the bottle. It may be otherwise be confiscated when going through customs.

If you have contact lenses make sure you have a year’s supply or more.

If you plan to drive, get an international license while you are in the US. AAA offers an international license for free to members and there is a charge for non members. You will need your current US drivers license.

If you are trying to decide between bringing an extra bag on the plane or shipping boxes after you arrive your best bet is to pay for the extra bag. Shipping costs are exorbitantly more expensive and shipping rules are quite difficult to navigate so bringing more things with you is preferable.